Six people feared dead in fresh fighting in Laikipia

LAIKIPIA COUNTY: At least six people are feared dead and scores others injured in fresh fighting between Samburu herdsmen and residents of Il Ngwesi area in Laikipia County.

It is feared that the dead are Samburu herdsmen who forced their way to Il Ngwesi conservancy with hundreds of livestock.

Among the injured are two security personnel working at the prestigious Il Ngwesi Lodge, which is situated along the Laikipia-Isiolo border.

Although Laikipia County Commissioner Mr Wilson Wanyanga said only two people were injured, Mukogodo East Ward Administrator Mr David Tumpes said residents counted six bodies of suspected raiders in the bushes.

"The fighting started early in the morning (Monday) after the herders forced their way with hundreds of cattle into the conservancy," said Tumpes.

He said the herders were ordered to leave the conservancy, but they instead started shooting at the conservancy's security officers, prompting them to fight back.

"They injured two workers but the information I have just received is that six raiders are already dead. The bodies are still in the bushes, while fighting is still ongoing," said Tumpes.

The battle ground hosts the world reknown Il Ngwesi Lodge, which has in the past hosted famous people, among them England's Prince William, also known as the Duke of Cambridge.

Early this year, hundreds of Samburu herders invaded the conservancy with their cattle, forcing the lodge to cancel booking for tourists-which were worth millions of shillings.

The government however ordered their eviction after the local community claimed tension was high and feared clashes since the herders were armed with sophisticated weapons.

And Monday evening, Wanyanga said reports that trickled from the area indicated that only two people were injured.

The administrator said the herders are believed to be running from Ngare Mara area in the neighbouring Isiolo County, where at least eight people were killed in clashes between Samburu and Turkana herders late last week.

"We suspect they are running away from Isiolo, but they herded their cattle to the conservancy and fighting started," said Wanyanga.